CDL Truck Driver Salary in Tennessee
CDL Truck Driver pay in Tennessee, explained
Truck drivers in Tennessee earn a median of $58,620 per year ($28.18 per hour), in line with the national median of $58,640. Entry-level workers earn around $39,960, while the most experienced truck drivers reach about $83,280. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Tennessee.
Is $58,620 good pay in Tennessee?
Adjusted for Tennessee's cost of living (which runs 92% of the U.S. average), that $58,620 is worth about $63,808 in national buying power — ranking Tennessee #10 for real pay (vs #28 on the sticker number).
CDL Truck Driver pay by experience in Tennessee
CDL Truck Driver pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs TN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (here) | $58,620 | $63,808 | — |
| Georgia | $57,050 | $59,246 | +$1,570 |
| Virginia | $56,860 | $56,239 | +$1,760 |
| Kentucky | $56,340 | $62,490 | +$2,280 |
| Missouri | $54,550 | $60,066 | +$4,070 |
| Alabama | $52,120 | $58,678 | +$6,500 |
| Mississippi | $51,820 | $59,595 | +$6,800 |
| Arkansas | $51,550 | $59,296 | +$7,070 |
| North Carolina | $51,530 | $54,630 | +$7,090 |
CDL Truck Driver in Tennessee: FAQ
How much do truck drivers make in Tennessee?
Truck drivers in Tennessee earn a median of $58,620 per year ($28.18 per hour), compared with $58,640 nationally.
Does Tennessee pay truck drivers well?
At $58,620, Tennessee pays about the same as the national median for truck drivers. An estimated 64,890 work in the state.